Social and Economic Status of Backward Muslims in Uttar Pradesh: Need for an Inclusive Policy?

Abstract

Since Independence, the performance of Muslims, particularly OBC Muslims, in education, organised private sector and more importantly in government decision-making institutions has remained unsatisfactory in Uttar Pradesh. It has resulted in a sense of neglect, and discrimination leading to some levels of social tensions within the community. To tackle this situation, the solution lies in facilitating interventions from both within and outside the political system. The article focusses on examining the socio-economic status, employment, educational status and political representation of Muslim OBCs. It attempts to evaluate issues related to 27 per cent reservation for OBCs, an advantage which has more or less bypassed Muslim OBCs. Finally, our study suggests measures for the inclusion of this category in the development agenda of the state government.